Fansided

One prospect each MLB team should call up right now

By Joshua Sadlock

MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 27: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the MLB preseason game at Olympic Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 27: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the MLB preseason game at Olympic Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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MESA, AZ – FEBRUARY 20: Adbert Alzolay #73 poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MESA, AZ – FEBRUARY 20: Adbert Alzolay #73 poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: Adbert Alzolay

Trades have significantly weakened the Chicago Cubs farm system the past two years, so much so that the team no longer counts a single top-100 prospect among its ranks in the minor leagues. Chicago’s farm system has to catch its breath and reload after sending so much talent to the big leagues. There are still some talented prospects in the Cubs organization, but none on the level of Kris Bryant/Kyle Schwarber/Ian Happ/Javy Baez, and none ready to have an impact right away.

The Cubs have brought a strong group of hitters up through their farm system, but have not had as much success with starting pitchers. All of the success with the position players has allowed the focus to shift onto the future rotation, and six of the Cubs current top seven prospects are starters.

With Yu Darvish battling triceps tendinitis, the Cubs should give one of their most MLB-ready hurlers a chance to audition for the future. Right-hander Jen-Ho Tseng already made his MLB debut and was knocked around. Adbert Alzolay has more upside and better overall stuff than Tseng and could be up next in Darvish’s absence.

Alzolay has had a difficult go of it at Triple-A this year, but has an intriguing arsenal in the works. His fastball can run up to 98 with movement, while his curveball can be a plus pitch when he’s on. Consistency is key for Alzolay. His changeup remains a work in progress, but he has worked hard to get a better feel for the pitch.

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